About the course

The MSc by Research in Musculoskeletal Sciences is intended to provide clinical and non-clinical graduates with a wide variety of research skills, in-depth knowledge, understanding and expertise in specific musculoskeletal-related fields of research. As part of your training on the course you will be exposed to a range of topics, such as critical appraisal, epidemiology and medical statistics.

After a very short induction period in Michaelmas, during which some basic training is provided, you will start a research project in your supervisor’s unit. Most research groups have weekly meetings where members present and discuss their research results with other members of their team. You are likely to be asked to regularly present your work in progress seminars, which are attended by other research groups working in related areas. Whilst working on your research project you will participate in a comprehensive, flexible skills training programme which includes a range of workshops and seminars in transferable skills, generic research skills and specific research techniques. There are also numerous seminars and lectures by local and visiting scientists and you are provided with many opportunities to meet leading scientists.

Your training will be tailored to your particular needs, drawing from the vast range of training available at Oxford and covering both specialist scientific methods and techniques and transferable skills. Please note that there is no formal taught component of the DPhil in Musculoskeletal Sciences. However, you will develop your research skills through a range of research training in your first year, including compulsory attendance to core subjects with lectures on a variety of topics such as an introduction to “pathophysiology of musculoskeletal disorders, epidemiology, basic immunology, clinical trials and rehabilitation”.

Assessment

Your attainment will be monitored regularly via.

Completion of termly reports by you and your supervisor(s) through Graduate Supervision Reporting (GSR);
Transfer of Status, to be completed before the end of the fourth term (eighth term for part-time students). The process includes preparation and submission of a 500-word transfer report and presentation and assessment in a viva.
Submission and defence of the final thesis by viva, no later than the ninth term (eighteenth term for part-time students - depending on funding duration).

Steps 2 and 3 will be assessed by two independent senior academics to ensure you are provided with the necessary guidance (if required).

Graduate destinations

According to the department's records, 100% of MSc by Research in Musculoskeletal Sciences alumni are employed, across a wide range of clinical professions (eg rheumatology, orthopaedics or physiotherapy) and non-clinical related professions (eg postdoctoral academic and industrial research, teaching, pharmaceuticals, marketing and scientific writing). A number of alumni set up their own businesses or changed paths completely into banking and medical writing, a group which constitute around 1% of the total number.

The Director of Graduate Studies and Graduate Studies Assistant follow the department's alumni to establish the career paths of past students.